Splashing Tetra

General information

The Splashing Tetra, or Copella arnoldi, is a small freshwater species that belongs to the family Lebiasinidae. This species is native to the Amazon Basin in South America and is often found in slow-moving rivers and flooded forests. They are active and social fish, and are typically kept in groups in aquariums. The Splashing Tetra has a unique habit of jumping out of the water to catch insects and small prey, which is where it gets its common name from. 
Average size: 3-4 inches (7.6-10.2 cm)

In the wild, Splashing Tetras feed on insects and small crustaceans. In an aquarium, they can be fed a diet of high-quality flake food, pellets, and frozen or live food such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. It is important to vary their diet to ensure they are getting all the necessary nutrients.

Male Splashing Tetras are typically larger and more colorful than females. Males have a more pronounced dorsal fin and anal fin, and their coloration is brighter and more intense.

Splashing Tetras are egg layers and can be bred in aquariums. Breeding can be triggered by increasing the water temperature and providing plenty of hiding places and vegetation for the fish to lay their eggs. Females can lay several hundred eggs at a time. After spawning, it is important to remove the adult fish from the tank to prevent them from eating the eggs or fry. The eggs will hatch in 2-3 days, and the fry can be fed a diet of infusoria and newly hatched brine shrimp.

Splashing Tetras are generally hardy and not prone to many diseases if they are kept in a well-maintained aquarium. However, they can be susceptible to common freshwater fish diseases such as ich, fin rot, and bacterial infections. It is important to regularly test the water parameters and maintain good water quality to prevent these diseases from occurring.

The Splashing Tetra is native to the Amazon Basin in South America, specifically in Brazil, Peru, and Colombia.

Splashing Tetras are not venomous and do not pose any danger to humans.

When introducing Splashing Tetras to a new aquarium, it is important to acclimate them slowly to prevent shock. Float the bag containing the fish in the aquarium for 10-15 minutes to allow the temperature to adjust, then add a small amount of aquarium water to the bag every 5-10 minutes. After 30 minutes, the fish can be released into the aquarium.